The Houston Texans made a move to bolster their receiving corps by claiming wide receiver Diontae Johnson off waivers on Monday, following the news that Tank Dell had suffered a season-ending knee injury. Dell sustained a torn ACL and dislocated kneecap during the Texans’ 27-19 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday. The injury left the Texans thin at wide receiver, prompting the team to act quickly to add depth.
Earlier in the day, the Texans announced Dell’s injury, which marked a significant blow to their offense. With the loss of Dell, who had been a key contributor, the Texans turned to the waiver wire for help. The Los Angeles Chargers were the only other team to place a waiver claim on Johnson, according to ESPN’s Field Yates, indicating there was limited competition for his services at the time.
Johnson had been waived by the Baltimore Ravens on Friday, bringing an end to his tumultuous seven-week stint with the team. His time in Baltimore was marked by controversy, including a suspension for refusing to play in a Dec. 1 game against the Philadelphia Eagles, followed by his excusal from team activities the following week. Johnson was acquired by the Ravens in a trade with the Carolina Panthers on Oct. 29 but had limited playing time, managing just 39 snaps and one catch for 6 yards in his brief tenure.
Before his time in Baltimore, Johnson had been with the Carolina Panthers, who had traded for him prior to the season. In Carolina, he recorded 30 catches for 257 yards and three touchdowns. Johnson’s early career was spent with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he was drafted in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Over four seasons with the Steelers, he accumulated 391 receptions for 4,363 yards and 25 touchdowns, earning a Pro Bowl selection in 2021 after his career-high 1,000-yard season.
The Ravens, in turn, claimed wide receiver and kick returner Steven Sims off waivers from the Texans on Monday. Sims had shown his value on special teams this season, averaging 27.9 yards on kickoff returns and 6.2 yards on punt returns. With the Texans set to host the Ravens on Christmas Day, both teams made roster adjustments as they looked to improve their depth ahead of their upcoming matchup. Johnson, who will be an unrestricted free agent after the season, hopes to revive his career with the Texans.
